DeKalb crash victim hospitalized; search for his dog continues

DeKALB – A 61-year-old DeKalb man remained in fair condition Tuesday as authorities continued to look for his dog, which went missing after a crash Monday.

Rick Beck was driving his Buick LaCrosse east on Fairview Avenue about 3 p.m. Monday when a semi-tractor turned left in front of him, DeKalb police said. The semi-trailer full on candy was turning into Nestle Distribution Center, and the driver didn't see Beck's car due to other semi-tractors lined up in the center turn lane, police said.

The semi-tractor driver, William Kessel, 52, of Stewart, was charged with failure to yield turning left.

Beck was taken to Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, where he was then airlifted to OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, police said.

Beck's dog, Buddy, had been riding in the back of the car but ran from police as they were trying to help Beck from the car, police said.

Buddy is reddish tan Beagle-Jack Russell mix that weighs about 30 pounds and has a light blue collar, police said. He does not like to be touched and may bite, so local residents are encouraged to call police at 815-748-8400 if they see him.